While it was easy to see as an overaggressive move, the Detroit Lions gave up both of their 2026 third-round picks to move up in the 2025 draft to take wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa. His role was not huge as a rookie, but his six touchdowns (on just 16 catches) were regularly highlight-reel worthy.
An increased role late in his rookie season, when tight end Sam LaPorta was out, has TeSlaa in line for a bigger role from the start in Year 2. How that would exactly look like is an open question right now, but his size, speed and athleticism combo is unique among the Lions' pass catchers.
In fantasy football terms, TeSlaa had the most points per target (2.8) among wide receivers with at least 25 targets last season. As things get rolling on the fantasy front this year, there's nothing but upside based on where he is in early re-draft rankings (WR74 in 0.5-point PPR as of this writing, according to Fantasy Pros). In dynasty leagues, there's automatic appeal on the cost/upside spectrum.
Fantasy analyst goes all the way with bold 2026 prediction for Isaac TeSlaa
On a recent episode of the "Fantasy Pros Football Podcast", Joe Pisapia, Andrew Erickson and Scott Bogman offered 10 bold predictions/hot takes for 2026. Bogman had one related to TeSlaa.
"How 'bout Isaac TeSlaa leading the Lions in receiving touchdowns", Bogman said..."From Week 13 on TeSlaa had an over 50 percent snap share, and scored four of his six touchdowns. He also had the seventh-most end zone targets last year, somehow. He was also 166th in overall targets, and top-20 in end zone targets."
Bogman noted the natural concerns about so many mouths to feed in the Lions' offense, which would limit TeSlaa's catches and yards. But Pisapia noted how he was quickly trusted in the red zone as a rookie, and if an injury happened to someone, or if Jameson Williams' inconsistency rubs offensive coordinator Drew Petzing wrong, more target volume could be unlocked.
READ MORE: Penei Sewell's do-it-all persona is paying dividends for Lions
So how many touchdowns would TeSlaa have to have to lead the Lions this season? Here's a look at the mark that led the team in each of the last three seasons.
2023-10; Amon-Ra St. Brown and Sam LaPorta
2024-12; St. Brown
2025-11; St. Brown
TeSlaa's touchdown rate from his rookie season is not repeatable. But if he doubles his catch total this year, which is absolutely feasible, double-digit touchdowns would be in play. That would then put him in the mix to lead the Lions in receiving touchdowns, and if things break his way a little bit in the red zone, he could pay off Bogman's bold prediction.
Add us as a preferred source on Google